Deaf community gathers intel with Victoria meeting in wake of resource cuts

Assessing impact on closure of 2 Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre Association sites

Deaf community gathers intel with Victoria meeting in wake of resource cuts Published 8:00 am Thursday, July 16, 2026 The Deaf community on Vancouver Island is rapidly deploying resources in a bid to learn the impacts in the wake of the closure of two Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre (IDHHC) Association sites. IDHHC provided hearing health services to thousands of clients on Vancouver Island through offices in Saanich and Nanaimo up until their sudden closures on June 30.

The association cited rising costs alongside cuts in funding and donations. In 2023, the province cancelled contracts for family and community services abruptly, a program at the heart of services for the Deaf community. It had a significant and immediate impact on the community and the budget at IDHHC and comes alongside government funding pulled from other resources for the deaf and hard of hearing across B.C.

A town hall pitched as a safe place to gather feedback, insight and information in the wake of the closures, is set for Friday at Victoria city hall. The community meets in Victoria at 1 Centennial Square upstairs from 2 to 4 p.m. Those unable to attend, or with questions, can email VanIslandDHH@gmail.com.

RELATED: Deaf community ‘deeply concerned’ over centre closures in Victoria, Nanaimo For more news delivered daily into your inbox, please click here. About the